In many churches I’ve attended, it’s often implied that people attend a church because they believe in the doctrines of that group. Though an unchallenged notion, statistics often reveal that many churchgoers don’t attend religious services for doctrinal reasons. While doctrine is definitely part of why many find themselves at home among church fellowship, it’s not the only reason. There are many in this world who seek haven in church for different reasons, none of which have to do with doctrine. In fact, some might even challenge the official positions of a group – not out of disrespect – but a sincere desire to understand spirituality in a greater way.
Here we are going to read six reasons people attend church that aren’t about doctrine. These reasons might be different than what we’ve learned, but they are no less valid than the pursuit of doctrinal belief.
To figure out what they believe
“Assurance” is a word frequently thrown around in many Christian circles. It’s the idea that one is absolutely certain, beyond the shadow of a doubt, in what they believe. I believe that while assurance is a nice idea, if we have total assurance, do we still have faith? Faith, as Scripture teaches us, is the assurance of what we hope for, the evidence of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1). This very complicated ontological statement tells us that through faith we find our assurance – we don’t have faith because we have total assurance. There are many things we don’t know, won’t know, and don’t understand this side of heaven. Regardless, we still believe. This, in its essence, is faith.
It’s unrealistic to expect people to show up at church – or even attend church for a while – and have everything figured out. Faith is a realm of belief in things we often don’t have specific answers about, and remembering this is essential to character growth and Christian humility. We must leave room for questions and introspective depth as people dive into faith and learn more about what they believe as they go along. One of the greatest reasons people attend church is to find a place with others who wonder about spiritual matters.
It’s important to remember a few key things when it comes to matters of faith. First, every one of us has changed our beliefs about something at some point in our lives. Whether you change churches entirely or just modified your views, none of us have the same beliefs we once did. Second, a good church should challenge faith, not merely enable it. Third, No matter where someone is on their faith journey, all should have access to resources that will help them develop their spiritual lives.
To learn what others believe
I spent a great deal of my late teens, early twenties, and again for a run in my mid-30s visiting different religious groups to learn about their beliefs. Reading beliefs in a book isn’t the same as the hands-on experience of seeing worship services live, up close and personal. To supplement my religious experience, I attended various services.
Sometimes people aren’t looking for answers themselves (at least on the surface). Religion isn’t always the most comfortable discussion topic. If someone wants to know what a group believes (or sometimes a friend or family member), attending a few services is a simple way to learn. Among the reasons people attend church is the development and love of the beliefs of others.
To talk and think about something other than politics
A scan of social media shows that politics are, by far, the most common topic on people’s minds. Some have gone as far as to say politics have become the new American religion. They consume thoughts, fears, ideas, and conversations. It’s impossible to go out, socialize, or talk to others and not discuss politics. Where are we to go when we tire of that topic?
Many who’ve tired of the limitations of human government turn to a higher source for spiritual conversation. Rather than going over the same thing they can anywhere else, among the reasons people attend church is as a refuge from the political chatter too common in our age. For this reason, it’s important church remain a spiritual vessel rather than a political one. One day, the kingdoms of this world will fall before God’s Kingdom. Our spiritual lives will last into eternity. Our political lives? Not so much.
To meet other people
Sanctuary has a member who admittedly isn’t sure how they feel about many spiritual issues. Faith might not be first on their list, but they admittedly enjoy the sense of community they find therein. It’s enough to keep them coming back week after week. It might not be a doctrinal issue, but it is definitely one that’s vitally important for spiritual edification.
One of the most important aspects of church is community. Where some read Hebrews 10:25 as a demand, I read it as an important testimony to the value of spiritual community:
Let us not stay away from church meetings. Some people are doing this all the time. Comfort each other as you see the day of His return coming near. (NLV)
This passage tells us that it’s important to come together as a faith community because we need a sense of comfort in community. Rather than viewing church attendance as something on a to-do list, it’s essential to see connecting with others – whether to meet new people, fellowship with friends, or connect with found family – as part of our spiritual experience.
To examine deeper life questions
Some people sincerely want to learn more about God, existence, the role of faith in their lives, Scripture, and any other assortment of spiritual topics. Church shouldn’t always function on the assumption that people know nothing when they get there and don’t want to learn much after they leave. There are many out there who might not know it all or understand it all, but sincerely want to learn about life in light of faith. Whether they’ve come to this point because of life challenges (grief or loss, marriage, divorce, disability or difficulty, aging, etc.) or simply because they seek solutions to many of life’s circumstances, many come to church with the hope that they can sort out the questions they have.
To be part of something bigger than themselves
I think one of life’s universal goals is to feel as if one’s life matters. It’s easy to feel small and invisible in today’s world. We move at the speed of technology. It should be easy to stay in contact with others, but we often don’t. Many of us work for corporations, businesses, and governments that feel huge and intimidating next to us. Anxieties and insecurities run rampant. We seem to have the world at our fingertips, but our lives often lack meaning.
Spiritual grounding is a thing. Coming to church, worshiping with others, praying with others, and reaching out to God, Who is greater than any company, government, boss, or problem we have is a powerful, humbling experience. In humbling, we come to realize we are part of something much bigger than anything we can do on our own. Whether it’s participating in worship, communion, offering, or something else, coming together to bring our individual parts to form a whole gives people a needed sense of eternity, right where they are.
Why do you attend church?
Don’t get me wrong; I believe that what we believe matters. I also believe that we are all figuring out what we believe (as well as growing in belief) throughout our lives. What are some reasons why you attend church? If you’re not attending, what would inspire to you to start?
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